The response of forest trees to abiotic stress

Trees, as long-living organisms, have to face varying growing conditions during their lifetime. This chapter introduces abiotic stress in trees, considering its interaction with biotic stress and examining the links between environmental dynamics and changes in stress. This chapter addresses the ability of trees and forest stands to adapt abiotic stressors. It describes management options to increase tree and forest adaptation to abiotic stressors (especially Adaptive Forest Management (AFM)) under conditions of climate change. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future trends in this field of research.